'Butterfly Bonanza' planned for June 14 in Morristown

Butterflies — their delicate wings are works of art, their metamorphosis is intriguing, and their value as pollinators often overlooked. Celebrate the beauty and importance of New Jersey’s butterflies at the Butterfly Bonanza on Saturday, June 14, noon-4 p.m. at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area in Montville Township.

This event is packed with excitement, entertainment, and education for all ages. Enjoy a guided ‘Bug Safari,’ a tour of the butterfly garden with a naturalist who shares stories on the amazing adaptations of the many critters who call it home. Discover how to bring butterflies to a yard with native plants and seeds. Travel through lifecycle stations to experience metamorphosis firsthand, and walk through the ‘Hall of Arthropods’ to meet unusual live insects and other invertebrates. Create butterfly origami, and listen to live music and stories as visitors celebrate the life and legacy of these beautiful and diverse animals.

Jenny Gaus-Myers, superintendent of environmental education stated, “Butterfly Bonanza is an exciting and educational event with a plethora of hands-on activities for children and adults to take part in. You won’t want to miss the culmination of the event, the Pollinator Parade at 2 p.m.
Join in the procession of costumed naturalists disguised as hummingbirds, moths, bats, bees, and, of course, butterflies that pollinate plants.” Bring costumes and receive free native plant seeds to take home. Create a costume at the Pollinator Parade Craft station, or parade along waving scarves and streamers.

All ages are welcome. The entrance fee is $4 per adult; and $3 per child ages 2 through 10. For more information, call 973-334-3130 or visit morrisparks.net.